Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship
We will work with Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara and our First Nations communities to determine eligibility.
About the Scholarship
The Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship addresses the gap in various funding sources, including existing federal and provincial funding, which has proven to be a barrier for students from equity-seeking communities and sovereignty groups to pursue a college education.
Developed alongside our partners from local Indigenous community organizations and Family and Children’s Services (FACS), the scholarship underscores NC’s Strategic Plan commitments to student success and equity and inclusion, and it furthers our commitment to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The name of the scholarship – ‘Strong students, stronger futures’ – emphasizes that Former Youth in Care (FYIC) and First Nations students are, by nature, strong and with unlimited potential, and will only grow through their educational path at NC.
Specialized and integrated supports for FYIC students through a breadth of College areas, and First Nations students through NC’s Indigenous Education, will ensure scholarship recipients have the resources to build their existing strengths and potential for academic and career success.
This is a renewable scholarship covering the cost of tuition and ancillary fees.
Eligibility
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant.
- Be a member of one of the designated First Nations communities (learn more) and/or be confirmed as a former Youth in Care (learn more).
- Apply for additional funding through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and/or through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for each year of their program of study (learn more).
- Be entering their first program of study towards a Niagara College credential (learn more).
- Maintain full-time registration in their designated program of study (learn more).
- Maintain academic standing that allows for annual program progression in their designated program of study.
- Where applicable, satisfy the advising engagement requirements of Niagara College’s Indigenous Education department.
Designated First Nation Communities include:
- Aamjiwnaang First Nation
- Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation
- Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- Delaware Nation – Moravian of the Thames
- Munsee-Delaware Nation
- Oneida Nation of the Thames
- Six Nations of the Grand River
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
In honour of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory upon which we are located, and our relationships with First Nations community organizations, the scholarship will support First Nations students, and we will work with our First Nations communities to determine eligibility.
Except where the student is admitted to a preparatory program that leads to the subsequent related diploma program.
Former Youth in Care (previously Crown Wards) are young adults who have transitioned out of foster care and may be living on their own and in need of personal and financial support to achieve their education and career goals.
If, through the associated membership/status confirmation processes it is determined that the student is ineligible, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn.
Doing so will ensure that students avail themselves to additional financial supports. Further, each of these processes also serve to confirm eligibility for the scholarship based upon membership/status verification, without additional verification work required by the college.
Reduced course-loads will be accepted as an academic accommodation and/or a leave of absence from their program of study for compassionate or exceptional circumstances.
How to Apply
If you are interested in being a recipient of this scholarship and meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the Scholarship Intake Form by the following application deadlines:
- Fall Term 2025 Start: August 15, 2025
- Winter Term 2026 Start: December 15, 2025
- Spring Term 2026 Start: April 15, 2026
Indigenous students from other communities
Niagara College offers many awards programs for students from a variety of backgrounds. First Nations, Metis and Inuit students beyond the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory on which we are located may be eligible for other scholarships, awards and bursaries from Niagara College.
Support for Former Youth in Care from other communities
Former Youth in Care from out of region who meet the criteria can access financial support through the Ontario Student Assistance Program’s Living and Learning Grant.
Use the Awards Portal to find and apply for scholarships and bursaries offered by generous NC donors. You can also meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to learn about supports available.
Create transformational change… Together
Niagara College will fund the scholarship for the 2025-26 year, and we will look to community partners who share in our commitment to advancing student success and Truth and Reconciliation to join us.
We invite community partners, donors and members of the College community to give, and empower marginalized and underrepresented students to achieve their potential. Learn more about contributing to student success:
Note: The values shown above may vary. Niagara College reserves the right to make changes without prior notice to the terms, conditions, and values to scholarships, bursaries and awards.
Friendly NC staff are here to answer your questions. Chat with us, or contact us via email or phone.
Contact Us